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DDR4 Memory to Reach Computers in 2013

Built or bought a computer recently? Chances are, it’s using DDR3 DRAM. And if you were to believe Micron, DDR4 memory will be available for devices as early as next year. As reported by Techworld, the DRAM memory components and modules maker has already started shipping samples of DDR4 memory. The modules were co-developed by Micron with memory maker Nanya. The company expects to begin volume production by the end of this year.

So what’s so great about DDR4 memory? For one, this new memory standard will start at a bus speed of 2,133MHz. The speed is expected to reach 3,200MT/s eventually. DDR4 also draws less power, starting at 1.2V, compared to 1.5V for DDR3.

It’s very likely that DDR4 memory will appear in servers and desktop computers first, before reaching laptops. And it may be the end of next year that we’ll start seeing mobile devices with DDR4 memory. Currently, most mobile devices use low-power versions of DDR3 or DDR2 RAM. DDR4 is expected to enhance mobile experience with longer battery life and better responsiveness.

JEDEC—the semiconductor standardization body—is expected to finalize the definition for DDR4 by the middle of this year.